Project Manager Response Unit
Omschrijving van de vacature
CONTEXT
Every day millions of kilograms of plastics end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics.
OUR STORY
River Cleanup started in 2017 with a 10-minute cleanup and was founded in Antwerp in 2019 as a nonprofit organization. To date we activated +370.000 volunteers via +7.600 events in 102 countries, removed 3,9 million kilograms of river waste from nature and developed the Clean River Model as an open-source theory of change for plastic-free rivers.
Through strategic and early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we turn off the tap on new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste on land and in rivers. The Clean River Model consists of 3 pillars (Empower people, Prevent pollution and Accelerate change) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation). Together, they encompass the entire lifecycle of river plastics. We are validating the Clean River Model in three action zones in 2025/2026 and will scale-up the implementation to 100 rivers by 2030.
As Project Manager, you play a crucial part in this mission, which requires proven & scalable solutions. You work closely with and in support of the Head of Programs & Operations.
Floods don't wait — and neither do we. In the critical window after a flood emergency, large amounts of waste and plastic end up in nature. Drawing on our experience in the South of Belgium between 2021 and 2025 (260 cleanup actions, 7,500 River Warriors, 300000kg collected), you will build and coordinate a rapid-response network ready to act whenever disaster strikes.
You lead the River Cleanup Response Unit in Belgium (for now) and turn strategy into on-the-ground action. Your tasks & responsibilities include:
- Develop and continuously improve SOPs, operational toolkits, and a rapid deployment playbook (ready to scale globally)
- Lead mission planning and briefings to ensure alignment on safety and execution
- Ensure strict adherence to procedures during field operations
- Conduct after-action reviews and translate learnings into improved protocols
- Design and deliver hands-on training sessions and (corporate) team events (offline bootcamps + online workshops) for volunteers, public, and partners
- Develop standardized training curricula and materials aligned with operations
- Train and certify participants to be deployment-ready
- Building and managing a network with local authorities, civil protection services and partner organisations.
Gewenst profiel
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE
- 4+ years of project management experience, ideally in an environmental or nonprofit context
- Strong planning and organisational skills, comfortable managing multiple workstreams
- People person who builds trust easily with volunteers, partners and authorities
- Experienced in process documentation, technical writing, risk assessment and, safety management, and crisis / incident management
- Strong training design and delivery skills, with experience leading engaging workshops and training sessions for large groups.
- Affinity with outdoor activities, events or field operations
- Fluent in English, Dutch/French
- Happy to occasionally work evenings or weekends when it matters
- Driven by real-world environmental impact
Ons aanbod
WHAT WE OFFER
- The opportunity to have an impact at the forefront of making rivers plastic-free.
- Being part of a growing, dynamic and fun team.
- A non-profit competitive benefits package incl. 20+6 paid vacation days
- Comprehensive medical and hospitalization insurance
- The opportunity to use River Cleanup electric vehicles for work-related travel
- Compensation for bicycle commuting and meal vouchers
- Free lunch on Tuesdays!
DETAILS
- We offer up to 2 days of remote work per week, with Tuesday and Thursday as our fixed office days.
- To help you settle in and connect with the team, we ask new starters to be on-site as much as possible during the first 6 months before transitioning to the standard arrangement.
- This position is a full-time position (39 hrs / five days).
- Expected start date: as soon as possible
Contact
At River Cleanup, we believe in the power of diversity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We encourage everyone to apply, regardless of age, gender, origin, or physical abilities. Together for clean rivers!